It’s fall and we’re all back at it—back to school, back to routine, and back to taking care of all those pesky home repair projects we put on the back burner during summer, like gutters that haven’t been cleaned since spring or a torn window screen you’ve been meaning to fix for weeks.
We get why it’s tempting to put those jobs off. After all, they're small projects that don’t seem like they’d make much impact. But a clogged gutter can lead to water damage. A loose tree limb can end up crashing through your roof. And a few small gaps around your windows and doors can let in drafts and pests.
Some of the easiest home maintenance projects can stop a minor problem before it becomes an expensive one, like these four chores you can knock out this season.
Clean your gutters
Gutters have one job: Move rainwater off your roof and away from your house. But when they're full of leaves and other debris they can't do their job and water can back up onto the roof or spill over the sides, where it can damage the fascia and soffits or pool around your foundation.
If you haven't cleaned your gutters recently, start there. Remove leaves, twigs, and other debris with a small trowel or gutter scoop, then run water from a garden hose through the gutters to make sure water flows freely. Check that the downspouts are directing water away from the foundation rather than dumping it right next to the house; if water is pooling near the foundation, you may want to add a Tilt and Drain downspout extender to direct water where you want it to go.
Once the gutters are clean, it’s a good time to add Plastic Mesh Gutter Guards to keep them from getting clogged again. Watch this video for installation tips:
Repair torn window screens
A torn window screen probably isn't at the top of your home-maintenance list. But when you open the windows to let crisp autumn air into your house, a hole in the screen gives mosquitoes, flies, and other insects an easy way inside.
Take a few minutes to check the screens on the windows you use most. Small holes can be patched with a screen repair kit, but if the screen is badly damaged or the frame is bent, you may need to replace it. W.B. Marvin Adjustable Window Screens are an affordable alternative to custom screens—just raise the sash, expand the screen until it fits the opening, then lower the sash to hold it in place.
Trim tree limbs before fall storms
A dead or damaged branch that's been hanging over your roof all summer can become a much bigger problem when fall storms roll in.
Walk around your property and look for branches that are dead, damaged, or rubbing against the roof or siding and either remove them yourself or hire someone to come in and trim them. This is one job where it's important to know your limits. Small branches that are safely within reach may be manageable for you, but large limbs, branches near the roof, or anything close to a power line should be handled by a qualified professional.
If you have mature trees on your property, fall is also a good time to have them inspected. A professional arborist can spot dead or weakened branches that aren't obvious from the ground.
Seal cracks around the outside of your house
As you walk around your house, look for cracks and gaps around windows, doors, and places where pipes, cables, and other utilities enter the house. These openings might not look like a big deal, but they're an easy way for cold air to get inside once temperatures drop. They're also an invitation to insects and other pests looking for somewhere warm to spend the winter.
Pay particular attention to old caulk and worn weatherstripping around window and door frames. If it's cracked, peeling or pulling away from the surface, it's time to replace it. Take a look at the bottom of your door, too. If you can see daylight underneath it, add a door sweep to close the gap and keep drafts, moisture and pests out.
